Septic alarms / septic or sewage pump alarm systems:

This article describes alarm systems used on septic pumps, grinder pumps, and septic tank pumping stations and pumping systems.

This article series explains the differences between Sump Pumps, Sewage Ejector Pumps, Septic Grinder Pumps, Sewage Pumping Stations, & Septic Pump Alarms.

Septic Pump Alarm Systems

What to Do if the Sewage Grinder Pump or Ejector Pump Alarm Sounds

• Stop using water,
  
  stop flushing toilets, turn off the washing machine, dishwasher, etc. right away to reduce the chances of a sewage backup.
• Turn off the septic or sewage pump alarm.
  
  Look for a lit-up button or red "off" button on the alarm box. This switch will stop the alarm from sounding. A warning light may remain illuminated until the pump problem has been repaired.

Watch out: do not open a sewage pumping chamber, pit, or electrical box if you do not know the proper and safe inspection and repair procedures for your requipment. Falling into a septic pit or tank or being shocked can both be fatal.

For a small homeowner-type ejector pump system it may be possible to inspect the sewage pump pit

 for high water level or flooding.If there has

been an unusual surge of building wastewater into the pumping pit and if the sewage pump is running, then the problem may be temporary and no repair may be needed.

If the pump is running and the wastewater level in the pumping pit is not dropping then the pump is not working and needs repair.

• Examine the pump control float.
  
  Rising wastewater should lift the float that in turn operates a switch that turns on the pump.
  
  If the float is stuck by debris, obstructions or anything in the pumping chamber the sewage grinder pump cannot turn on and off as it should.
• Contact a licensed plumber
  
   who has experience with sewage grinder pump installation and repair work if the pump is not working, not pumping, or not turning off.
  
  If your sewage pumping system is operd by your local municipality, that is if it is not a privately-owned system you will need to contact your local department of public works.
• For aerobic septic system alarms,
  
  see our diagnostic checkllist
  
  at AEROBIC SEPTIC ALARM SYSTEMS

Septic Tank Pump Alarm Video

Our video demonstrates the operation of a septic tank pump system alarm.

Click the image above, or use this YouTube URL Click the image above, or use this YouTube URL https://youtu.be/oLgsyHrP71Q?si=rn-0Xs9hAyKePPtl to see the video above in a larger window.

Septic alarms indicate when the septic tank pump is not operating. Repair is needed promptly.

Advice is given for septic tank effluent or sewage pump selection and use.

Septic pumps used for pumping air in aeration systems and septic pumps used to move effluent in a drip dispersion system are discussed under the appropriate septic system type which are outlined

at SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN ALTERNATIVES.

Citation of this article by reference to this website and brief quotation for the sole purpose of review are permitted. Use of this information at other websites, in books or pamphlets for sale is reserved to the author.

Use & Operation of Single Septic Pump Alarm System: details

Any sewage pump setup should include an alarm that tells you when a pump has stopped working.

It is important to be able to distinguish between blocked building drains, failing septic systems, and lost function of a septic pump.

Otherwise you will soon be unable to run plumbing fixtures and you may not know why.

Watch out: In a single-pump septic system (shown in the photograph just above and at page top)

if you hear the septic alarm buzzer or bell it means that you have very little septic capacity before repairs are made, since there is no working pump.

 

Use & Operation of Duplex Septic Pump Alarm System details

In a duplex septic tank pump system, (shown in photo ) sounding of the septic alarm indicates that you're running on the backup pump.

You need to repair the failed septic pump but you can continue to use the building's plumbing fixtures as the backup pump should be working.

There are two different philosophies for designing duplex backup systems - alternating septic pump cycles and reserve septic pump installations.

We discuss simplex and duplex septic pump installations and the different methods of designing a duplex septic pump system in more detail at

SEWAGE EJECTOR / GRINDER PUMPS

See the septic alarm test demonstration video at the top of this page for an example of testing the septic tank pump alarm system.

Our illustration at left shows a sewage grinder pump alarm system mounted outdoors on the building exterior wall.

The control panel for a sewage grinder pump system includes pump power switches, alarm, and alarm reset switch or button.

The Environment One Corporation grinder pump control panel shown here should be part of any sewage grinder pump system.

...

Continue reading  at SEWAGE EJECTOR / GRINDER PUMPS - home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see SEPTIC / SEWAGE ALARM FAQs - questions & answers posted originally on this page

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEMS, ATUs - home page for Aerobic Septic Systems includes links to free PDF downloads of aerobic septic system manuals.
• AEROBIC SEPTIC ALARM SYSTEMS - how to silence & troubleshoot a septic or septic pump alarm that won't sound or won't turn off
• AEROBIC ATU SEPTIC PROBLEMS
• FLOOD ALARMS - detect water on floors or in basements or crawl spaces
• SEPTIC PUMP ALARM SYSTEMS - types, installation, uses, and downloads of septic alarm manuals.
• SEWAGE EJECTOR / GRINDER PUMPS - home - includes additional descriptions of sewage & flood alarms

Suggested citation for this web page

SEPTIC PUMP ALARM SYSTEMS at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to SEPTIC SYSTEMS

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Citations & References

In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.

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